Best smoky tofu bacon (vegan) - Damn Tasty Vegan (2024)

This tofu bacon is easy to make and is the perfect balance of smoky, salty, savory and umami rich flavors. Thin tofu slices are marinated in a delicious sweet, salty and smoky sauce, then baked until chewy and crispy.

This recipe is

• high in protein
• great in a veganBLT sandwich
• animal-friendly alternative to bacon(pigs are smarter than dogs)
• cholesterol free
• a great way to cook tofu if you're new to using it

Ingredients

• Liquid smoke- This is what gives the tofu bacon that smoky flavor. It's a definite must have.
• Nutritional yeast- This gives the tofu bacon a nice umami flavor. Tips on how to substitute below.
• Tahini- Make sure it's runny tahini and not the crusty stuff at the end of a bottle. This will give the tofu some fat and umami flavor as well.
• Maple syrup- This helps to balance out the saltiness in the recipe and adds a little bit of sweetness. But it's not overpowering.
• Soy sauce- Gives the tofu the salty flavor that bacon has. Use low sodium soy sauce to lower the sodium of this recipe.
• Garlic powder & Onion powder- To add a little bit more flavor. You can also add some black pepper.
• Tofu- Extra firm tofu works best for this recipe, since it's the most chewy option and has a nice meaty texture when it bakes.

Substitutions

If you don't have nutritional yeast

Use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to substitute the nutritional yeast. Tomato paste is great for umami flavor.

If you don't have tahini

You can substitute vegetable oil for the tahini.

If you don't have liquid smoke

Use 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika to substitute the liquid smoke.

Expert tips

Directions

Make sure to scroll to the recipe card for full step-by-step instructions.

Step one: Take the extra-firm tofu out of the container and drain the excess water. Put the block of tofu in a tofu press or wrap it in a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel and lay it on a plate.

Top it with some heavy pans or books. Once the tofu is done pressing, cut it into thin strips, about ⅛" inch slices

Step two: Add all the marinade ingredients into a small bowl and mix well. Add the tofu strips into a tupperware bowl and pour the sauce over. Cover with a lid and let the tofu marinate for at least an hour.

Step three: Oil a baking tray and put your oven to 375. Place the marinated tofu slices on the baking sheet in a single layer. Keep the remaining marinade for later.

Place the tofu in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the tofu and brush some extra marinade on the strips. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Bake until it starts to turn golden brown.

Storing & reheating

In the fridge- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

To reheat, use a microwave or heat it up in the oven. Heating up in the oven will help keep it crispy.

Serving suggestions

Use this like you would traditional bacon. Serve it with a tofu scramble. Put it on toasted bread with some vegan mayo, lettuce and tomato and make a vegan BLT sandwich.

Add it to your avocado toast to boost your morning protein.Serve it alongside some protein pancakes, or some oatmeal banana pancakes.

Add it to a sweet potato breakfast hash.

Frequently asked questions

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